Oral cancer is a prevalent disease across Canada and yet it is often overlooked due to the lack of prioritization of oral health. Routine oral cancer screenings are an important preventive measure that can help detect early signs of mouth cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the head and neck.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer affects any of the parts of the mouth including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and or under the tongue. In Canada overall 12 in 100,000 men and 5 per 100,000 women contract oral cancer. 6% of those oral cancers are individuals under the age of 40. Just last year in 2023, around 7,900 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
The purpose of oral cancer screenings is to detect cancer early so that treatment options are far more effective. When cancer is detected early it makes it easier to treat and more likely curable. Early detection can significantly increase one’s chance of survival and result in less invasive treatment.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
A typical oral cancer screening will start with the dentist examining your mouth, throat, gums, teeth, and oral tissues for any bumps, changes in color, or swelling. Next, they will feel one’s neck, jaw, underneath the chin, and outside the cheeks for any unusual bumps. If any abnormality is detected, the dentist will then use a dye or light to examine the area more closely and to confirm if it is cancerous or not. Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless, and are nothing to be afraid or worried about. It is simply just one additional step that should be added to one’s routine dental check up.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Common symptoms of oral cancer include lumps, sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, and red or white patches in one’s mouth. It is important to proceed with care and diligence in one’s daily dental routine so that you can look out for these signs in case you notice any abnormalities. If you do notice any irregularity, you can consult a dental professional to properly and officially diagnose.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, human papillomavirus (HPV), chronic inflammation in the mouth, or an already weakened immune system from contracting other viruses or diseases. It is extremely important to get regular screenings particularly for those who have the above listed risk factors as they have a higher chance of developing oral cancer.
Frequency of Oral Cancer Screenings
For adults over 40, oral cancer screenings should be conducted annually while those over the age of 20 can have an exam every three years. For one’s own convenience these screenings can be scheduled alongside one’s dental check up so you don’t have to incur multiple visits. This will help one to incorporate this important preventive measure into one’s routine dental care without inconveniencing one’s schedule. This will make it more likely that this important procedure is prioritized long term.
Oral Cancer Screening at Ottawa Downtown Dentist
Ottawa Downtown Dentist approaches oral cancer screenings with care and precision as they are dedicated to patient health and a continued, overall positive clinical experience. The dental team at Ottawa Downtown Dentist are highly skilled and trained in performing various screenings, and have the qualifications to be able to diagnose patients effectively and offer the best options for treatment for each individual’s specific needs.
Prioritize Your Health with Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings must be a part of one’s overall dental routine as early detection can improve outcomes and survival rates. Oral health is an important indicator of one’s overall health because when dental hygiene is marginalized the rest of the body gets greatly affected, increasing the probability of one developing other health complications. We encourage you to book an appointment at Ottawa Downtown Dentist for a screening with our qualified team of professionals. Our team will ensure that you enjoy your experience so that your oral health will remain a priority in your overall journey to maintaining optimal health and a wholesome lifestyle. We look forward to seeing you at our clinic.
